Time Shift Accident: Chronosthesia

Would it be fair to describe the debut album from Time Shift Accident as a modern fusion album? I think it probably would. I mean, these guys ain’t reinventing wheels here, the jiggle-jostle of jazz, funk and rock instantly recognisable but with the keyboard and electric piano work feeling fresh and vibrant, and some of the synths sounds incorporated adding softer, more melodic tones, for me I’d almost go as far as to suggest that this could be called neo-fusion. Nice!

The band themselves hail from Germany and bring with them a wide variety of experiences, pulling in everything from prog metal leanings courtesy of guitarist Dave Mola (Effloresce) and jazz/salsa from Günter W. Schmuck (Fred Drumski Trio, SHS Trio, Orquesta Mistica, Papa Caliente, Salsa Fever, Soul7even, Jamdeluxe) to the more obviously progressive outlook of bassist Michael Schetter (Relocator, ex-Seven Steps to the Green Door) and drummer Paul Ettl, with the rhythm pairing being the longest serving members of the quartet.

That expected eclecticism plays out right across Chronosthesia, an album where many bases are covered, with the likes of “Damascus Dance� an energetic howl of stinging guitar lines and clever keyboard layering. It’s a hugely atmospheric blend of restraint and exuberance where melody remains right at this track’s core. That, however, is a theme throughout, Time Shift Accident always in the know as to when to push the boundaries, when to ride an infectious groove and when to pull everything right in and leave you craving for the next explosion of notes or thunder of drums. “Boonar Eclipse� darts through some excellent percussive work from Ettl, time signatures jumped onto and off of again, as Schetter somehow expands the setting through his bass work while still nailing it all to the ground. Then a darting keyboard solo adds an unexpected jazzy air and we head off in a different direction - at least for the moment. “Borsuki� illustrates, however, that even though TSA are safe in the knowledge that they can handle whatever their musical fancies happen to be at any given moment, they don’t have to force them into your face at every turn, leaving an album that could easily have become over-technical to instead feel easy going, lush and organic.

Chronosthesia is a seriously accomplished debut and one that leaves you satisfied at every turn. Admittedly these guys have their fingers in a lot of different musical pies (this album was released in 2019 and there’s been no activity since, for example) but hopefully they can all find a few moments to create more music together and make sure that they don’t turn into a case of what might have been.

Track Listing
1. Cold Case
2. Boonar Eclipse
3. Ignalina Forest
4. Wish
5. Damascus Dance
6. Pompei
7. Borsuki
8. The Hand of God

Added: September 11th 2021
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Chronosthesia @ bandcamp
Hits: 749
Language: english

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